John O’Leary welcomes Erik Rees, founder of NEGU and creator of JoyJars, onto the Live Inspired Podcast to share how his daughter Jessie’s battle with cancer sparked a global movement of joy, resilience, and Never Ever Giving Up.
Erik Rees is the founder of NEGU, Never Ever Give Up, which is a global movement inspired by the life of his daughter Jessie. What began as a father walking through unimaginable grief has become a mission that has delivered nearly 600,000 JoyJars to children battling cancer around the world, each one carrying a simple but powerful message: you are not alone.
Today, Erik shares the extraordinary life of his daughter Jessie, why she chose to focus on bringing happiness to other kids in the middle of her own fight, and how her legacy continues to impact families across the globe.
My friends, if you are walking through grief, searching for purpose, or wondering how something painful could ever be used for good, this conversation is for you. You’ll leave ready to live courageously, love constantly and lead compassionately.
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SHOW NOTES:
- After his 11-year-old daughter Jessie was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer, Erik Rees witnessed her ask a life-changing question, “How can we help the other kids?”
- Jessie created JoyJars, simple jars filled with toys, games, and comfort items to bring joy to children who couldn’t leave the hospital, launching what would become a global movement.
- We don’t cure cancer. We cure bad days caused by childhood cancer.”
- NEGU: Despite intense treatments and physical decline, Jessie focused on others, reminding every child she met to “Never Ever Give Up”.
- Erik shares how his painful childhood, journey to faith, and the lesson “only you can be you” prepared him to walk through unimaginable loss with purpose.
- What began in a family garage has now delivered nearly 600,000 JoyJars to children in all 50 states and over 53 countries, supporting patients, siblings, and parents alike.
- Live courageously. Love constantly. Lead compassionately. Erik reflects on these values Jessie lived out, and how her life continues to inspire others to serve, give, and never give up.
- Learn more about NEGU and Jessie’s JoyJars here.
Did you enjoy today’s episode?
You’ll love my conversation with Jess Ekstrom. As the founder of Headbands of Hope, Jess has turned her own challenges into a movement that’s impacted children fighting cancer all over the world. Her belief is simple but powerful: our hardest moments can become the very thing that allows us to make a difference. Listen to Jess Ekstrom on ep. 212 now.
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About our sponsor: Keeley Companies wholeheartedly believes that if you get the people right -the results will follow. They set themselves apart with a forward-thinking culture that empowers their people and fosters loyal partnerships. Keeley Companies are a proud sponsor, partner, and super fan of the Live Inspired Podcast. Learn more about Keeley Companies.
ERIK REES'S LIVE INSPIRED 7
- Q. What is the best book you’ve ever read?
A. The Bible, specifically the book of Ephesians and the book of Philippians. - Q. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today?
A. Physical activity and the freedom from pain. - Q. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be?
A. Jessie's urn. - Q. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be?
A. My daughter Jessie. - Q. What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
A. Only you can be you. - Q. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?
A. Study harder. - Q. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read?
A. I never ever gave up.
